Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Gasbarro.
Hi Luke, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey to starting Lucasano Creative really began in 2015, though I didn’t fully realize it at the time.
I was planning my own wedding and, like many others, started by researching as many queer-friendly vendors as I could. It was impossible to talk to everyone, so I had to narrow it down. But with so many options, it was hard to know who would truly accept me—not just based on budget or availability, but in their values. At first, those “All are welcome here” messages felt promising, but as I dug deeper, they often came with an asterisk. The disconnect first showed up in something as simple as contact forms: fields labeled “bride name” and “groom name,” as if those were the only options. Those small details made it clear that many “inclusive” spaces still hadn’t fully rethought their process.
I became discouraged and wondered if I’d always have to navigate spaces that weren’t built for people like me. I eventually found incredible vendors, but the experience made me realize something important: inclusivity doesn’t happen by accident—it has to be built intentionally. I remember telling myself that if I ever started a design studio, I’d focus on changing that, creating a space where queer couples don’t have to adapt just to be seen.
Fast forward to 2023—I started designing wedding invitations for family and friends, and it reignited my creative spark. It felt like the right moment to bring together my advocacy and my design background to build something meaningful.
I’ve always been fascinated by the magic of paper and how something so simple can hold emotions, memories, and stories in a way that feels deeply personal. I was always the kid with paint-streaked hands, a camera nearby, and a habit of turning anything into an art project, thanks to my mom’s creative influence. I earned a BFA in Film/Animation/Video from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and spent years telling stories through film before diving into a two-decade career in TV production and creative operations, while still designing for LGBTQ+ nonprofits and community causes on the side.
Lucasano is the result of all of that—a blend of artistry, storytelling, and purpose. It’s about crafting stationery that celebrates individuality and belonging, creating space for couples to feel seen, affirmed, and unapologetically themselves.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Just like with any new business, there have definitely been obstacles.
For me, one of the biggest early challenges was getting over the fear that I might be too loud with my advocacy. I worried that speaking openly about queer inclusion and representation might scare off potential clients. There’s this quiet pressure in the creative industry to just “let the work speak for itself,” but for me, the work and the message are intertwined.
Most designers focus their social media purely on the art — showing the final product, the paper, the printing. And I love that part too. But for me, Lucasano has always been about more than design. It’s about visibility. It’s about uplifting other queer artists, creating space to educate wedding professionals on inclusive practices, and reminding people that having a voice doesn’t take away from your art — it gives it meaning.
Another early challenge was clarifying that while I’m a queer-owned business, I don’t only design for queer couples. I design for anyone who values inclusivity, creativity, and authenticity — people who understand that representation matters. My work embraces the full spectrum of love and individuality, and my mission is to honor all identities and stories.
Once I embraced that, things started to click. The right clients started finding me — people who got it, who valued the same things. That’s when I realized being authentic and outspoken wasn’t a risk; it was the foundation of the brand I was meant to build.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in fully custom stationery — from weddings and corporate events to gender-affirming announcements and milestone celebrations.
I work primarily with letterpress and often combine print methods like hot foil stamping and flat digital printing to create pieces that feel tactile, layered, and timeless. My clients aren’t just investing in paper, they’re investing in an experience. They come to me because they want their invitations to feel like them, to tell a story in a way that’s personal and lasting.
My design style leans bold, a little rebellious, and has a soft spot for vintage. Whether it’s sleek modern minimalism, a campy, colorful spectacle, or a maximalist explosion, my work always dares to be different.
What really sets Lucasano apart, though, is intention. I take time to understand each client’s story, what makes them unique, what moments matter most. When guests open an invitation, I want them to say, “Only they would do something like this.”
And I’m proud that my work reflects more than design. I embrace the full spectrum of love and individuality, creating stationery that celebrates all identities and stories while uplifting queer artistry and values in the process.
How do you think about luck?
There’s been some good timing along the way. When I started Lucasano, I already had years of creative and operations experience behind me,
which gave me a foundation most new business owners have to build from scratch.
But honestly, a lot of what’s gone right hasn’t been luck. It’s been persistence, relationships, and trusting my instincts when something felt aligned with my values.
The “bad luck” moments, like slow seasons, have taught me patience and perspective. I’ve learned to treat those moments as creative recalibrations rather than failures.
If anything, I think luck shows up in the people who’ve crossed my path. Like the supportive vendors, clients, and friends who share my belief that inclusivity makes everything stronger. That’s the kind of luck you can’t plan for, but when it happens, it reminds you you’re building something real.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lucasano.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucasanocreative/
